Guy Friday- The List

Gray, Keith. The List 
April 7, 2026 by Union Square & Co.

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
 

Jake's neighbor and best friend Denny is moving away with his mother. Before he goes, he wants to complete five items on a list he has made. The two live in a neighborhood that backs up to a golf course, but since they aren't members, they have never been allowed to go there. They hop over the fence and take some selfies; that's all Denny uses his phone for, and Jake doesn't have a phone since he lost his and his parents won't replace it. Next up is getting revenge on Mal, who pushed Denny two years ago and messed up his shoes. He and Jake take buckets of muddy water and dump them through Mal's window... only they have picked out his older brother Harry's room! The brother is furious, but Mal is happy, because his brother hits them. He helps the boys with the list. Denny also wants to relive his first kiss, so hunts down Tabby, who obliges him with another one. Tabby joins the group as they go to apologize to their teacher, Mrs. Hubler. Denny had drawn an unflattering picture of her on on the school walls and playground. When she isn't home to hear the apology, the kids decide to chalk a huge apology on her driveway. Her neighbor gather around, and Mrs. Hubler looks flabbergasted rather than angry. Denny has to return something he stole, which ends up being Jake's phone. Jake is very angry, but ends up forgiving his friend after he borrows a horse, Burdock, from a local farmer, Mr. Clem, and rides to Jake's house. While it's still sad that Denny is leaving, Jake now has Mal and Tabby to hang out with at school. 

Strengths: This is one of Barrington Stokes books for emerging readers, so is only 128 pages, and in a dyslexia friendly font. I wish there were so many more of this kind of realistic fiction books; boys having funny adventures. A lot of emerging readers struggle with fantasy or mystery books, because the stories are harder to follow, but this is laid out in a very predictable way, since Denny sets out with a list. I can see this being perfect for students who need to do a book project but struggle with longer titles. I loved that Denny's adventures leave Jake with two new friends to pick up the slack in Denny's absence. 
Weaknesses: There is a decidedly British feel to this that I loved, but which my students may not. Who knows? Maybe they will read this and start using the word "gutted". 
What I really think: Readers who felt comfortable with Maldonado's Tight but need something shorter than Ross' The Amazing Beef Squad will find this to be the perfect read.